Nobody can stop me visiting any part of Nigeria — Gumi

Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his visit to Ibadan last year, insisting that no one can stop him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

Gumi spoke on Tuesday in a post on his Facebook page amid renewed debate over his November 2025 visit to Oyo State and allegations in some quarters that he was promoting northern Islamic ideologies in the South-West.

The cleric said he was not invited to Ibadan by any Muslim group or individual from the region, explaining that he attended the event as a representative of northern Islamic scholars.

Gumi said: “I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW (South-West) and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics.”

He added: “I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.”

Questioning the criticism that followed his visit, Gumi said: “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”

His comments came barely a day after one of the victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State dismissed claims that the kidnappers demanded the introduction of Sharia law in the state as a condition for releasing their captives.

The principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, who spoke in a viral video from captivity, reportedly said the abductors never demanded the implementation of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom.

According to her, the gunmen instead requested the release of some of their associates currently in government custody.

The development followed a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which also rejected reports linking the abductors to demands for the introduction of Sharia law in Oyo State.

MURIC described the report as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam (hell)” and alleged that the claim was inserted into negotiations by enemies of Islam to damage the religion’s image.

Gumi’s visit to Ibadan took place on November 19, 2025, when he attended the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit as a special guest and speaker.

The event was held at the University of Ibadan and also featured prominent Muslim scholars from both Northern and Southern Nigeria.